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In Afrikaans, a kloof is a narrow mountain river valley—in other words, a canyon. And South African adventurers have followed a course parallel to the antics of European and American canyoneering enthusiasts: Kloofing is following a mountain river from its beginnings down through waterfalls, rapids, whirlpools, hiking and climbing your way in between swims. It's a bit like high diving, hiking, and being put through a spin cycle—all at once. In the mountains behind Betty's Bay, a short drive from Cape Town, are South Africa's two best kloofing daytrips; choose between the regular route, where you'll have to leap 20 feet off a waterfall into the pool below, or Suicide Gorge (heads up: this means a leap of 60 feet). To date, no one has been hurt seriously on a kloofing trip, but if you're subject to vertigo and aren't at least halfway fit, then don't do it. The company Day Trippers will provide guides, wetsuits, lunch, transport, and, most importantly, moral support.

Published: 28 Apr 2002 | Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010 Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication